Shallow Mount Subwoofer vs. Regular: Which Is the Best Choice for Your Car Audio Setup?

As beginners, we all want to choose the right subwoofer for our home or car audio step. However, there are many subwoofer types, and shallow subwoofer is one of them. In this article, I will compare two popular styles: shallow mount and regular subwoofer.

I’ll delve into their characteristics, examine their advantages, and help you decide which is best for your car’s audio needs. Whether you’re a casual listener or an audiophile, understanding these differences can significantly help you invest your bucks in the right setup.

Let’s dive into shallow mount subwoofer vs regular!

Understanding the Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

Starting with understanding a shallow sub as it will be new audio equipment for you. In this section, I’ll provide you with an overview of such subwoofer type.

What Are Shallow Mount Subwoofers?

Shallow mount subs are a unique type of subwoofer requiring less ‘mounting depth’ than regular subwoofers. They’re designed to fit in compact, small spaces with limited mounting depth.

Despite their size, these subwoofers don’t compromise on sound quality. They deliver rich, deep bass, enhancing your audio experience, making them an ideal choice for vehicles with space limitations or home audio systems seeking a cleaner look without sacrificing audio quality. However, you can’t use this subwoofer for a car music competition.

Advantages of Shallow Mount Subs:

Here, I’m going to describe some of the benefits if you’re going with a shallow-mount subwoofer.

1. Slim Design:

As discussed in the definition, shallow-mount subs give you a slim design through advanced engineering techniques.

Manufacturers use innovative materials and construction methods to reduce the mounting depth of the woofer while maintaining its ability to move sufficient air for producing low-frequency sound.

This includes using a smaller magnet, a slimmer cone, and a shallower voice coil, all contributing to a compact, space-efficient design.

2. Space-Saving Characteristics:

Their compact design optimizes the space in your vehicle. Unlike traditional subwoofers, you can fit them comfortably in small enclosures. You can install them in tight areas such as door panels, under seats, or behind seats, saving valuable cargo space.

They are also lighter, reducing overall vehicle weight. Thus, by using shallow-mount subwoofers, I would say you can enjoy superior car audio quality without sacrificing car space or adding unnecessary weight to your vehicle.

3. Weight Reduction:

As I have mentioned, shallow-mount subs weigh less than regular ones due to their compact size and design. Well! What makes them lightweight? Instead of heavy, bulky parts, they incorporate lightweight, efficient components.

The motor structures and cone materials are lighter, reducing overall weight. Also, their slim profile requires less cabinet volume, presenting a weight-saving advantage.

This design efficiency ensures they deliver powerful sound without adding substantial weight, making them the preferred choice for weight-sensitive applications.

4. Improved Portability and Versatility:

Due to their reduced size and weight, shallow-mount subs also offer enhanced portability, making them ideal for diverse applications.

You can efficiently install them in vehicles or transfer them between different settings, such as from home to marine audio systems.

Also, their compact design does not compromise audio quality (only if you’re a regular listener), offering a deep, enriching bass experience.

The blend of portability, versatility, and excellent sound reproduction makes shallow-mount subs popular among audio enthusiasts.

5. Enhanced Sound Quality:

You might be wrong if you’re not a hardcore bass lover and think shallow mount sub can’t give you an excellent music experience. Shallow mount subwoofer offers enhanced music quality by incorporating innovative designs and advanced technologies.

They produce deep, resonant bass tones while occupying minimal space, making them an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking powerful audio performance in space-constrained environments.

However, if you’re an extreme bass lover, then you should give a regular subwoofer a chance.

6. Easy Installation:

As these subwoofers are designed with a compact, lightweight structure that demands less space, you can also install them quickly. Their installation requires significantly fewer steps, with simple instructions that novices can follow.

Besides, their thin profile allows them to fit in tight spaces like car doors or under seats, eliminating the need for complex modifications, hence, making the process straightforward and quick.

7. Energy Efficiency:

Shallow-mount subs are generally more energy efficient than regular subs. They require less power due to their compact size and design, which allows them to operate effectively with smaller amplifiers.

This feature reduces energy consumption, making them a more eco-friendly audio solution. Despite their energy efficiency, these subwoofers still produce a robust and satisfying bass performance without straining your car battery.

Performance and Power Handling:

Now that we know about some of the advantages let’s have a look at its performance and power handling:

1. Bass Output:

The bass output of a shallow mount sub primarily depends on its power handling capacity, frequency response, and the quality of the inbuilt components.

While it won’t generate the deep bass of massive, traditional subs, a well-built shallow mount subwoofer with a power range of between 200-600 watts can deliver tight, punchy bass that significantly enhances the overall audio experience.

However, you need to pair it with a suitable amplifier, and the enclosure can optimize the bass output further.

2. Frequency Response:

If I talk about the frequency response, it is typically impressive, covering the lower parts of the audio spectrum effectively. These subwoofers can often handle frequencies as low as 30Hz, some even lower, ensuring a wide range of bass notes are accurately reproduced.

However, the exact frequency response can vary depending on the specific model and manufacturer. A wider frequency response ultimately contributes to a richer, more nuanced bass output, enhancing the overall audio experience.

3. Power Handling:

You can determine the power handling by its RMS power rating and peak power handling. The RMS rating is the key metric, representing the continuous power the subwoofer can handle without damage.

For example, a subwoofer with a 300W RMS rating can handle 300 watts of continuous power. It’s vital to match the subwoofer’s RMS rating with the output of your amplifier to ensure optimal performance.

Peak power handling, on the other hand, is the maximum short burst of power the subwoofer can tolerate without getting damaged.

While it’s less crucial for regular use, pairing your subwoofer with an amplifier that doesn’t exceed its peak power handling can prevent distortion during intense audio moments.

My Space Considerations for Shallow Mount Subwoofer:

Here are some of the top placements for a shallow sub that I use most frequently:

1. Trunk Space:

The trunk is the perfect space for any type of subwoofer. However, you’re using a shallow sub to eliminate the large space requirement.

But still, if you’re going with more than a single shallow-mount sub, you can utilize the trunk space for more optimal performance.

This location also allows for greater bass production, as the sound can resonate within the enclosed space. Furthermore, trunk installations often provide better sound directionality, enhancing the overall audio experience in the vehicle.

2. Under-Seat Placement:

If you’re a person looking for a subwoofer to put under the vehicle’s seat, then you should definitely go for a shallow-mount sub. Under-seat placement offers a cleaner interior aesthetic while giving you a space-saving design.

This placement also facilitates better sound distribution inside the vehicle, providing an immersive audio experience. Moreover, it reduces the risk of subwoofer theft as it remains concealed from outside view.

However, you must measure the available space under your seat to confirm a comfortable fit for both the subwoofer and the passengers.

3. Behind-Panel Installation:

You can also consider behind-panel installation an excellent choice for shallow-mount subs for several reasons:

1. It maintains the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle by keeping the subwoofer concealed.
2. It optimizes space utilization as it doesn’t consume the usual trunk space.
3. This method ensures seamless audio system integration with the vehicle, providing a balanced and immersive sound experience without the need for extensive modifications to your car’s interiors.

Understanding the Regular Subwoofer:

Now, let’s understand the regular subwoofer and conclude what will suit you best at the end of the article.

The Definition of Traditional Regular Subwoofers:

Traditional or regular subwoofers are designed to produce the lowest audible frequencies, typically from 20 to 200 Hz. Unlike shallow-mount subs, they come in large sizes and are usually mounted in specially crafted enclosures designed to contain sound waves and direct them efficiently.

These subwoofers are preferred for their ability to deliver a deep, resonant bass that can be felt as much as heard, enhancing the overall richness and depth of any audio experience.

Benefits of Regular Subwoofers:

Here are some of the benefits you’ll get if you go with a regular subwoofer:

1. Deeper and More Impactful Bass:

Regular-sized subwoofers reproduce low-frequency sounds more effectively due to their larger size and increased power handling.

They generate more profound and impactful bass by vibrating larger volumes of air, making the listener perceive the bass as stronger and more resonant.

This enhances the overall audio experience, creating a sense of immersion and making the sound feel more ‘alive’ and dynamic.

2. High-Power Handling:

A standard sub delivers high power handling by utilizing its larger cone area and longer voice coil than a shallow sub. This setup enables more excellent heat dissipation, reducing the risk of damage from high power levels.

So for hardcore bass enthusiasts, a regular subwoofer can perform better than the shallow mount subwoofer in terms of power-handling.

3. Versatility:

Regular subwoofers offer versatility through their ability to handle a wide range of frequencies, allowing for nuanced sound reproduction. This means they can seamlessly transition between different types of audio, from soft, mellow tunes to heavy bass lines.

However, if we compare it with the shallow-mount setup, the regular setup will provide less versatility. However, the adaptability allows the stand sub to enrich your listening experience, regardless of your music genre or movie choice.

4. Better Performance in Larger Spaces:

As mentioned above, the regular subwoofers are designed for large spaces due to their capability to produce more powerful bass due to their larger driver and sub-box size. This larger design allows them to move more air, thus creating deeper and louder bass frequencies.

The consequence is a more balanced and evenly dispersed sound throughout the room, providing a richer audio experience. Therefore, for larger spaces, regular subwoofers perform exceptionally, guaranteeing better audio quality and listener satisfaction.

5. Enhanced Low-Frequency Impact:

The magic of regular subwoofers lies in their design and functionality. They are specifically engineered to handle low-frequency sound waves, which are typically difficult for a shallow subwoofer to reproduce accurately.

Featuring large and heavy cones that move more air, these subwoofers create the physical sensation of bass. Furthermore, subs with built-in amplifiers allow them to tackle power-hungry low frequencies efficiently, thus ensuring clear, distortion-free bass that enhances the overall listening experience.

6. Customization and Tuning:

A regular subwoofer allows customization because of its adjustable parameters like frequency cutoffs and phase control. However, you can also get such a feature in the shallow mount, but they won’t handle it more accurately than a regular sub.

These let you optimize the bass output based on the room’s acoustics or the user’s preference. Additionally, passive subwoofers require external amps which offer gain controls that can manipulate the volume of the bass, allowing fine-tuning of the sound.

Thus, regular subs provide a flexible and personalized audio experience.

Their Performance and Power Handling:

Now, we have discussed the advantages of a standard subwoofer, let’s check its performance & power handling:

1. Accurate Low-Frequency Reproduction:

The bigger a subwoofer is, the more bass it can provide. But here we are talking about bass accuracy. You can achieve it using large drivers and cones that move a significant air volume, producing profound and precise bass tones.

The low-frequency range of 20Hz to 200Hz is typically well-handled, offering a clear, immersive bass experience. As you know, shallow mount subs are smaller in mounting depth; they can’t provide the loud bass with accuracy compared to the standard ones.

2. High Sensitivity:

Regular subs have high sensitivity ratings, resulting in less power being needed to produce a given volume level. These models transform electrical energy into sound waves more effectively, resulting in less wasted energy and higher output.

But I won’t say here that the standard subwoofers require less energy than the shallow-mount subs. Both have different use cases and tend to perform best in their respective sensitivity ratings.

However, the quick response to audio signals also implies a broader dynamic range, allowing the subwoofer to handle both soft and loud passages of music with equal articulation.

3. Minimal Distortion:

Regular subs achieve minimal distortion due to their unique design features. These subs allow more air movement, producing deeper and cleaner bass thanks to their extensive cones.

Additionally, the robust construction helps to reduce unwanted resonance and vibrations that could impair sound quality. Therefore, even at high volumes, the bass generated by a regular subwoofer remains clear and distortion-free, providing an enhanced audio experience.

4. Space Considerations for Regular Subwoofers:

Just like shallow-mount subs, regular subs also require careful consideration for vehicle placement. You can put the standard subwoofers in trunks, underseat, or behind the panel. But it won’t fit in a car door (unless the subwoofer is too much) like a shallow subwoofer.

However, you must position both types in areas where they can deliver optimal sound output without causing distortion. Factors such as vehicle cabin size, the listener’s preferred sound quality, and installation car space availability are all equally crucial considerations for positioning regular and shallow-mount subs.

Choosing the Subwoofer Between Shallow Mount and Regular One:

You would be wondering why you had to read the above section if this was my main concern. However, that was a must for you to decide confidently which subwoofer type you should go with.

Consider your space and sound personal preferences when deciding between the shallow mount and regular subwoofers. Shallow mounts are best for limited space and sleek setups, delivering decent bass in compact form. Traditional subwoofers, on the other hand, offer a more intense bass experience but require more space. Ultimately, your choice depends on your vehicle size, desired sound quality, and power availability.

Sound Quality and Bass Preferences:

Read this carefully if you want to choose a subwoofer, depending on its sound quality and bass output.

1. Determining Sound Signature:

Regarding sound signature, shallow-mount subs produce a balanced and accurate bass, making them ideal for those seeking a nuanced audio experience without overwhelming low frequencies.

With their deeper bass extension, regular subs offer a more immersive and robust bass, perfect for genres requiring a significant emphasis on low tones. However, both subwoofers use dual voice coil.

2. Differences in Sound Output:

In terms of sound results, regular subwoofers generally have an edge. Their larger size and design allow them to move more air, producing deeper and more resonant bass notes.

They provide a rich, full-bodied sound that fills the space, ideal for music genres like EDM or hip-hop, emphasizing bass-heavy tracks.

On the other hand, shallow-mount subs, while unable to match the bass’s depth, focus on delivering clear, punchy bass notes. This makes them suitable for genres like rock or pop, where basslines are essential but not overpowering.

While regular car subwoofers may deliver superior sound performance, shallow-mount subwoofers balance quality bass and space efficiency.

Car Size and Space Constraints:

If you want to make a choice depending on the car size and space limitations, read this section carefully:

1. Assessing Car Size:

If you own a compact or small car, the chances are that you’ll have to deal with some space limitations. As mentioned multiple times, Shallow-mount subs are designed to fit in tight spaces, making them a better choice for smaller cars where the trunk or interior space is limited.

On the other hand, regular subs, while requiring large space, offer richer and deeper bass due to their larger size and resonance capacity. They are best suited for larger vehicles like SUVs or pickup trucks where space is not a limiting factor.

Power Handling and Overall Performance:

If you want to decide whether to go for a shallow-mount or a regular subwoofer depending on the overall performance, read this section carefully:

1. Power Handling:

I am not amazed to tell that shallow-mount subs come with lower power handling than regular ones. As you know, the shallow-mount subwoofer has a compact and slim profile design, it won’t be able to handle as much electrical power from amplifiers as regular subs can.

On the other hand, the standard subs are just known for higher power handling abilities. With suitable amplifiers, they can withstand and handle more significant amounts of electrical power without getting damaged.

That’s the reason regular subwoofers can deliver louder and more impactful bass, making them ideal for those seeking a powerful and immersive audio experience with high volume levels.

2. Overall Performance:

Regarding overall performance, shallow mount subs, due to their slim design, are space-efficient and provide satisfactory bass, making them ideal for smaller vehicles or limited-space setups.

They aim for a balanced audio experience without overpowering bass. On the other hand, regular subs, with their larger size and higher power handling capabilities, are designed to produce deeper and more powerful bass.

They are perfect for bass lovers and those who enjoy music or movies with low-frequency solid soundtracks. However, they require more space due to their larger size.

Cost:

While specific prices vary based on brand, features, and power capabilities, on average, expect to pay anywhere from 20% to 50% more for a shallow-mount subwoofer than a regular one. Remember, your choice should hinge on your specific audio needs and space constraints, not solely on cost.

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